You'll never convince peope who are certain of their misinformation. All you can do is offer the info to any who want it, give the "ignorants" some food for thought when you can and do your best to take care of your bettas.
How do you convince the ignorant?
Please keep in mind that I use the term "ignorant" as politely as possible, i.e. meaning that it only means you are uninformed and unknowing, not stupid. It would likely be a friend or a family member that hasn't the slightest idea about aquatics.
How do you convince the uninformed that betta fish need the extra care? That they shouldnt just be stuck inside of a bowl with no heater or filter? When I try to tell someone that bettas require nearly just as much care as any other tropical fish, I always get these annoyed responses. "You must be crazy, why all that unnecessary work for just a betta fish?", "I had a betta that lived a year in a bowl without all that extra stuff.", "They're just betta fish, they don't need anything bigger than a bowl and some food, you're wasting a lot of money." are some of the responses I'd get. When I try to explain that I've done my research, they would pretty much just scoff and say that its still just a little betta fish and it doesn't need all of that, they've seen them living in bowls before all the time. How can I convince and prove to other people that bettas aren't just yesterday's leftovers? Poor betta fish always get so shafted, overlooked, and treated as if they are just a shelf decoration and not a live animal.
How do you convince the uninformed that betta fish need the extra care? That they shouldnt just be stuck inside of a bowl with no heater or filter? When I try to tell someone that bettas require nearly just as much care as any other tropical fish, I always get these annoyed responses. "You must be crazy, why all that unnecessary work for just a betta fish?", "I had a betta that lived a year in a bowl without all that extra stuff.", "They're just betta fish, they don't need anything bigger than a bowl and some food, you're wasting a lot of money." are some of the responses I'd get. When I try to explain that I've done my research, they would pretty much just scoff and say that its still just a little betta fish and it doesn't need all of that, they've seen them living in bowls before all the time. How can I convince and prove to other people that bettas aren't just yesterday's leftovers? Poor betta fish always get so shafted, overlooked, and treated as if they are just a shelf decoration and not a live animal.
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Annoying people. (Not you, the ignorant people)
Step one is finding someone who cares. A lot of people simply don't care.
If they are simply uninformed, you try to educate them.
If they are simply ignorant, you try to educate them.
If they simply don't care (as Jaysee said) or if they are "certain of their misinformation" (as Fishster said), then you try to educate them -- but just once.
After that, you move on, and educate OTHER people who do care and are willing to listen. If, after time goes by, you see that they've started to care or are more willing to listen, then you try to educate them again -- but just once..... And so on.
Trying to convince someone who doesn't care or who won't listen will only result in frustrating YOU. It won't change THEIR behavior.
Conversely, if THEY keep trying to convince you that all this "work" isn't necessary, then you have every right to politely tell them that you disagree with their opinion, that this is your fish, and that you plan on continuing your efforts to keep your Betta healthy and in a healthy environment. (Then either leave or simply change the subject.)
If they are simply ignorant, you try to educate them.
If they simply don't care (as Jaysee said) or if they are "certain of their misinformation" (as Fishster said), then you try to educate them -- but just once.
After that, you move on, and educate OTHER people who do care and are willing to listen. If, after time goes by, you see that they've started to care or are more willing to listen, then you try to educate them again -- but just once..... And so on.
Trying to convince someone who doesn't care or who won't listen will only result in frustrating YOU. It won't change THEIR behavior.
Conversely, if THEY keep trying to convince you that all this "work" isn't necessary, then you have every right to politely tell them that you disagree with their opinion, that this is your fish, and that you plan on continuing your efforts to keep your Betta healthy and in a healthy environment. (Then either leave or simply change the subject.)
+1 LBF
And if you think Bettas are bad, imagine the ignorance and myths with which I had to deal as a dog behaviorist and trainer.
Maybe it's my age, but I don't see the need to convince anyone of anything so I don't even try. I give my opinion (if asked) and go on. It saves a lot of frustration and fruitless arguments. Besides, you can't educate people who don't think they need educating.
You could always be tactful:: "Have you seen the latest findings on how to keep Bettas? Dispels a lot of things I used to believe. If you're interested, let me know and I'll send you the information." Then the ball's in their court. Like LBF said, mention it just once.
And if they disparage how you take care of Betta, you can always tell them what I tell my in-laws when they make snarky comments on how I spoil my dogs: "If I valued your opinion I would have asked for it." (Stole that one from either Dear Abby or Ann Landers; forget which.) Of course, they could always turn the tables and say the same to you so be careful.
I choose to believe people do care but have deep-seated beliefs to which they will cling because that's the way they've been taught. Bettas in bowls is still touted in pet shops and on the Internet. And just look at the people who continue to believe a small tank can't be cycled.
And if you think Bettas are bad, imagine the ignorance and myths with which I had to deal as a dog behaviorist and trainer.
Maybe it's my age, but I don't see the need to convince anyone of anything so I don't even try. I give my opinion (if asked) and go on. It saves a lot of frustration and fruitless arguments. Besides, you can't educate people who don't think they need educating.
You could always be tactful:: "Have you seen the latest findings on how to keep Bettas? Dispels a lot of things I used to believe. If you're interested, let me know and I'll send you the information." Then the ball's in their court. Like LBF said, mention it just once.
And if they disparage how you take care of Betta, you can always tell them what I tell my in-laws when they make snarky comments on how I spoil my dogs: "If I valued your opinion I would have asked for it." (Stole that one from either Dear Abby or Ann Landers; forget which.) Of course, they could always turn the tables and say the same to you so be careful.
I choose to believe people do care but have deep-seated beliefs to which they will cling because that's the way they've been taught. Bettas in bowls is still touted in pet shops and on the Internet. And just look at the people who continue to believe a small tank can't be cycled.
This is probably the truest statement I've heard. I can't count the number of times I see a mom buy a goldfish or a betta to stick in a bowl as a pet for their kid. They don't care about the well-being for the animal that they just purchased responsibility for, they care about their child's entertainment.Step one is finding someone who cares. A lot of people simply don't care.
It's heartbreaking that so many humans have little to no respect or care for smaller creatures, we automatically think that just because it is smaller and less human-like, it is less deserving of a quality life.
That's an interesting way to look at it, I will for sure take that advice. The reason for this post is because I was doing some research on goldfish prior to this. If we all think our betta bowl situation is bad, consider how bad the goldfish bowl situation is. At least a betta could survive in a bowl for a while, but goldfish don't typically last a few months because of their ammonia and growth rates.If you think Bettas are bad, imagine the ignorance and myths with which I had to deal as a dog behaviorist and trainer.
Maybe it's my age, but I don't see the need to convince anyone of anything so I don't even try. I give my opinion (if asked) and go on. It saves a lot of frustration and fruitless arguments. Besides, you can't educate people who don't think they need educating.
You could always be tactful:: "Have you seen the latest findings on how to keep Bettas? Dispels a lot of things I used to believe. If you're interested, let me know and I'll send you the information." Then the ball's in their court.
I choose to believe people do care but have deep-seated beliefs to which they will cling because that's the way they've been taught. Bettas in bowls is still touted in pet shops and on the Internet. And just look at the people who continue to believe a small tank can't be cycled. ;-)
If pet stores that sell Bettas and Goldfish sell the bowls, then it must be okay, right? ;-)
Seriously, most people buy their fish at a pet store (probably a chain). And those stores often perpetuate the "no heater, no filter, yes, one gallon is fine" beliefs because they are in business to make $$; not to educate. And let's face it, who are most people going to believe? Us or the person selling the product?
Most frustrating, I agree.
Seriously, most people buy their fish at a pet store (probably a chain). And those stores often perpetuate the "no heater, no filter, yes, one gallon is fine" beliefs because they are in business to make $$; not to educate. And let's face it, who are most people going to believe? Us or the person selling the product?
Most frustrating, I agree.
Oh lord RusselltheShihTzu, I know exactly what you mean with people about dogs...even just as a groomer the stupidity I encounter drives me nuts. I did finally have to just accept it and move on.
And the same goes for horses. It is just astounding how many people are willing to pay THAT much for an animal and not make any attempt to understand their behavior, needs, and care, just shove them in a teeny box and wonder why they go totally crazy. Sigh....
Ultimately, people want to be lazy and stupid about animal care across the board. But it definitely seems to be worst around fish, because for some reason a lot of people just can't seem to muster up compassion for a tiny animal that can't communicate clearly or vocalize in any way. It's really heartbreaking.
And the same goes for horses. It is just astounding how many people are willing to pay THAT much for an animal and not make any attempt to understand their behavior, needs, and care, just shove them in a teeny box and wonder why they go totally crazy. Sigh....
Ultimately, people want to be lazy and stupid about animal care across the board. But it definitely seems to be worst around fish, because for some reason a lot of people just can't seem to muster up compassion for a tiny animal that can't communicate clearly or vocalize in any way. It's really heartbreaking.
I think it starts with the pet stores, especially large chains. If they can stop giving out misguided information about betta fish, then people will become more informed. From my experience, more people buy bettas because they believe they live longer than goldfish (in bowls that is).
But beyond trying to educate the stores, educated the people buying the fish. We all were uninformed once. Im sure for many of us, at least for myself, when my fish weren't living long I decided to do some research and see if it was just the species or if I was doing something wrong. Others need more convincing. People need to understand the difference between surviving and thriving. I usually use this example. Image you have a (insert any large breed of dog you desire). You wouldn't keep the dog in the bathroom for its whole life. Yes the dog would survive but it would thrive and be happy. That is what happens when you put a betta in a bowl without at least a heater.
But beyond trying to educate the stores, educated the people buying the fish. We all were uninformed once. Im sure for many of us, at least for myself, when my fish weren't living long I decided to do some research and see if it was just the species or if I was doing something wrong. Others need more convincing. People need to understand the difference between surviving and thriving. I usually use this example. Image you have a (insert any large breed of dog you desire). You wouldn't keep the dog in the bathroom for its whole life. Yes the dog would survive but it would thrive and be happy. That is what happens when you put a betta in a bowl without at least a heater.
I feel you, Mantis. I work for a lady who has a VT in a 0.5 gallon bowl, with a fake plant taking up 80% of the room in the center. His water is probably 65°F, cloudy and merky, flake just rotting a the surface and so bloated he should be fasted for 4-5 days straight. I try and explain some of the basics to her and she looks at me increduously, as if it's nothing more than a feeder goldfish. I've honestly thought about offering her $30 for the entire setup just to give the poor fish a proper life, but it's not really my place. And I whole-heartedly agree, this problem wont go away until the pet stores start doing their part in educating. They say "oh sure, they can live in a bowl just fine." They're surviving, but are they happy? Are they thriving? A human being could technically survive in a dog cage their whole life, but is that a quality life? :|
This 100%.I think it starts with the pet stores, especially large chains. If they can stop giving out misguided information about betta fish, then people will become more informed. From my experience, more people buy bettas because they believe they live longer than goldfish (in bowls that is).
But beyond trying to educate the stores, educated the people buying the fish. We all were uninformed once. Im sure for many of us, at least for myself, when my fish weren't living long I decided to do some research and see if it was just the species or if I was doing something wrong. Others need more convincing. People need to understand the difference between surviving and thriving. I usually use this example. Image you have a (insert any large breed of dog you desire). You wouldn't keep the dog in the bathroom for its whole life. Yes the dog would survive but it would thrive and be happy. That is what happens when you put a betta in a bowl without at least a heater.
I think that most if not all people who are ignorant about real betta fish care and insist that their misinformation is right are people who have been given that misinformation by a LPS, or from a friend who heard it from a LPS, or from a friend of a friend who heard it from a LPS...and so on and so forth. The grapevine always starts somewhere and I think it's pretty clear in this case where the misinformation on bettas comes from. It's from those who make their profit on that misinformation, by luring in people who otherwise wouldn't have the time/money to be proper fish owners by telling them that "they only need a small bowl, just food and water changes, nothing else, super easy, k? ;-)"
I'm pretty jaded about it at this point. I feel like, compared to the voices of these LPS's who dish out misinformation like candy, our voices are so small and hardly make a dent.
It's a shame that bettas (or fish in general) don't have a champion out there...you know, someone famous and popular who would do expensive campaigns to raise awareness and visit pet store CEO's to talk about proper fish care...I guess I'll keep dreaming :|
I'd make the offer, explaining that it'll help the fish live longer and be more colorful... an employer who'll fault you for showing empathy for the tiniest of creatures is probably a real jerk. If you feel like it's crossing a line to ask her for $30, you could shoulder some of the cost and just get a little 2 gallon with a couple plants and a heater, nothing too big--it should be less than $30 then. Or you could just find a cheap one and shoulder the whole price, giving it to her as a present. (Even if it means you sneak in while she isn't looking and transfer the fish yourself.)I feel you, Mantis. I work for a lady who has a VT in a 0.5 gallon bowl, with a fake plant taking up 80% of the room in the center. His water is probably 65°F, cloudy and merky, flake just rotting a the surface and so bloated he should be fasted for 4-5 days straight. I try and explain some of the basics to her and she looks at me increduously, as if it's nothing more than a feeder goldfish. I've honestly thought about offering her $30 for the entire setup just to give the poor fish a proper life, but it's not really my place. And I whole-heartedly agree, this problem wont go away until the pet stores start doing their part in educating. They say "oh sure, they can live in a bowl just fine." They're surviving, but are they happy? Are they thriving? A human being could technically survive in a dog cage their whole life, but is that a quality life? :|
I think that would count for you rather than against you. It's like when you're on a date and your date is nice to food service people and little dogs and stuff. Putting effort into something shouldn't make you look bad. Of course, your boss might be really touchy about that sort of thing, and you're the one who knows her.
Sigh. Poor fish.
Once I used the dog and betta example. "Your'e comparing dogs to fish?"
Once I used the dog and betta example. "Your'e comparing dogs to fish?"
Comparing fish to dogs is counterproductive in just about every way, because the two are so vastly different. I think you'll find that the overwhelming majority of people will discount everything you say thereafter because they reject the premise. There's a reason that the ASPCA doesn't care about fish. I'm not saying this to be a downer, but since the thread is about bringing the "ignorant" into the light.... You have to consider your target audience. You aren't talking to other betta lovers - you're talking to regular people.
It is impossible to change a persons mind. They must change it themselves, and if you want that to happen then you have to present information in a persuasive manner. You have to show them that what you want IS what they want. You have to make them see that in a way to which they can relate. The most important thing, besides finding someone who cares, is identifying what it is the person wants and working that angle. That's how you can affect change.
I suppose you do pose a good point. A great dane living its life in a bathroom would show a lot more signs of trauma than a fish in a .3 gallon tank. But on the other hand, if the fish is anything other than a betta, it wouldn't last a week.Comparing fish to dogs is counterproductive in just about every way, because the two are so vastly different. I think you'll find that the overwhelming majority of people will discount everything you say thereafter because they reject the premise. There's a reason that the ASPCA doesn't care about fish. I'm not saying this to be a downer, but since the thread is about bringing the "ignorant" into the light.... You have to consider your target audience. You aren't talking to other betta lovers - you're talking to regular people.
I think a large portion of the reason regular people don't care about the well-being of fish is because they believe fish can't feel emotion or pain. I honestly don't know anything about either of these myself, but one thing I do know is that its just not right to treat another living creature with disrespect. Another probably solid reason is psycologicaly-based. The more human-like it is, the easier it is for us to project our emotions and bond to it. Fish are far from anything human-like, and can't bond to us that I know of.
I will simply state: If we didn't have the (lazy) buyers, we would not have the stores that cater to them. Educate the people. The stores will catch up... they will have to.I think it starts with the pet stores, especially large chains. If they can stop giving out misguided information about betta fish, then people will become more informed. From my experience, more people buy bettas because they believe they live longer than goldfish (in bowls that is).
But beyond trying to educate the stores, educated the people buying the fish. We all were uninformed once. Im sure for many of us, at least for myself, when my fish weren't living long I decided to do some research and see if it was just the species or if I was doing something wrong. Others need more convincing. People need to understand the difference between surviving and thriving. I usually use this example. Image you have a (insert any large breed of dog you desire). You wouldn't keep the dog in the bathroom for its whole life. Yes the dog would survive but it would thrive and be happy. That is what happens when you put a betta in a bowl without at least a heater.
You all make such good points. The reality of the situation is very sad. One point that really stands out to me is that bettas aren't as human-like as the furry animals that people love. They also can't let us know when they're in pain or stressed out, that's why it's so easy for these ignorant people to assume that the fish is fine because, well, it's still alive isn't it?
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